Recovery time varies from patient to patient
The time it takes to recover from a stroke varies from patient to patient. Some people fully recover after a few months with little to no post-stroke symptoms. For others, recovery can be a long, winding road. These differences in recovery depend on any number of factors including age, health before the stroke, and stroke severity. The most important thing to remember: there is always hope after stroke.
The different stages of recovery
First week:
Rehabilitation exercises begin immediately after a stroke has been treated. During this stage, the brain is in a heightened state of plasticity. New neural networks are rapidly formed to make up for the ones damaged by the stroke. Doctors want to take advantage of the brain’s hyperactive state, so they begin rehabilitation exercises even in the hospital bed.
Two weeks:
By two weeks, it is estimated a patient will regain 50% of their original function. Depending on the stroke’s severity, patients may be discharged from the hospital or sent to an intensive care clinic. In both cases, the patient will continue regular, intense physical therapy. These exercises are designed to increase physical mobility.
Three months:
The most rapid recovery has occurred. The temporary state of increased plasticity begins to slow down at this stage, so speedy recovery tends to slow down as well. Adding a steady variety of new rehabilitation exercises to your routine will aid in continuous recovery.
Four months:
Sticking to ongoing rehabilitation exercises at home is key to successful recovery. Practice your physical therapy between outpatient rehabilitation sessions to boost recovery odds.
Six months:
Walking may have significantly improved. Many stroke patients find that they have trouble walking or standing. At the six-month mark of recovery, most patients would have fully regained their ability to walk on their own.
One year:
Recovery is at its most variant stage. At this point, any given patient may fall anywhere on the recovery spectrum. For example, the recovery time for severe strokes can be expected to move a lot slower than acute strokes.
Have you or a loved one suffered a recent ischemic stroke? Learn more about CBC Health’s regenerative treatment today. Call +1 855 426 4623 for more information.
